In 13 of the world’s top 15 oil producing
countries, the oil companies are owned by the government. In other words,
most of the world’s known oil and gas reserves are owned by national oil
companies, not private enterprises.

To put this in perspective, for natural gas and
coal the United States comes pretty close to consuming what is produced.
The U.S. produces 55.89 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day and consumes
55.77 billion cubic feet per day. It produces 297 million short tons of
coal and consumes 271 short tons. It is a different story for petroleum or
crude oil. The U.S. consumes about 20.13 million barrels per day, but only
produces 8.69 million barrels per day.

America has always been the land of
opportunity. We are a nation that is rich with natural resources and have
a strong, proven record in the advancement of technologies. If energy
independence is going to be achieved, every American needs to step up to the
plate. Citizens need to elect Congressional and state leaders who will be
willing to allow energy development in federally controlled areas like ANWR,
which is estimated to have 14 billion barrels of economically recoverable oil.
They also need to allow the recovery of oil through off-shore drilling along the
vast coastline. These can both be accomplished in ways that safeguard the
environment.

In addition to fossil fuels, technological
advances have broadened the possibilities of capturing marketable energy
sources, such as wind, solar, nuclear, and biofuels. If America is to
achieve energy independence, all forms of energy must be developed and made
available to consumers.

Can we drill our way out of this?

Yes and no. It will take time to expand
opportunities for drilling and refining. It is critical to push hard for
this in the short term. But expanded drilling shouldn’t be our only
strategy. Americans need to insist on the expanded use of nuclear energy,
biofuels, wind, and other renewables. Companies need to be encouraged to
continue to research and develop these alternatives. And, in the meantime
the American consumer needs to exercise wisdom on how fuel is consumed on a day
to day basis.

What is the best path to energy
independence?

The best path is the one which leads to
increasing the resources produced at home. The expansion of oil
exploration will not only help wean America from a dependence on our enemies
(such as Venezuela), but it will also provide jobs and long term economic
stability for our own citizens.

As we pursue the more than 14 billion barrels
of oil in ANWR, let’s start by not purchasing the 1.4 million barrels per day
from President Chavez’s Petroleos de Venezuela or the 1.5 million barrels per
day from the Saudi’s. This is a double-edged problem. We have no
control over the rising price of crude oil and the billions we are spending
every year is lining the pockets of governments that funnel money to terrorist
organizations.

There are billions of barrels of oil that can
be safely and economically recovered from millions of acres of federally
protected lands and off coastal shores. Federal legislation is necessary
to lift the restrictions against the development of these areas.

Is this a Democrat or Republican issue?

It is both. It is an American issue.
We need Congressional and state leadership from both political parties. We
need citizens to communicate with Democrat and Republican leaders that the clock
has run out and America needs to take immediate steps to expand our own energy
resources. Every voting American also needs to understand the positions of
Congressional and statewide candidates on energy independence before voting in
this year’s election.

What can I do to help?

• Get informed. Visiting this site is a
great first step. Check back frequently for updated information.
• Know who represents you in Washington and in your state capital.
Contact your local board of elections and make a list. Begin calling your
state legislators and Congressional leaders. Ask what they are doing to move us
toward energy independence.
• Find out who will be on the ballot in November. Don’t be tempted to
vote with a Party slatecard. Contact the candidates from both political
Parties or visit their campaign websites. Ask them about their position on
energy policies.